"So often I have been approached by individuals concerned about the destructive practices of industry in the province and there seems to be no one to report these incidents to and nothing can be done. This new website is just the thing to let the public know what is happening," says Glen Semenchuk with the Federation of Alberta Naturalists.

"It is no secret that Alberta is a resource extraction friendly province, and that industrial activity provides short-term wealth," says Helene Walsh with the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society Northern Alberta. The real secret lies in the severity of the consequences of industrial activity on the landscapes of Alberta. This website is a great tool for Albertans to both expose and to find out what is happening."

The site is distinct from other websites in that it is composed of open submissions, rather than editorialized content. The foundational feature of the site is an interactive map that empowers users to browse industrial impacts by location. It enables Albertans to anonymously tell their story by submitting pictures, videos, articles, and other documentation describing an impact of the resource extraction industry in the province.

Alberta's 'dirty secret' is really a whole range of individual or related stories that span the province, but go largely unnoticed due to the lack of an appropriate forum to share information. The site is a compendium of stories documenting the consequences of the resource extraction industry. The objective of the site is that as more stories are told, their public availability will help to positively transform corporate and government policy towards a better Alberta.

Specifically, the site aims to become an invaluable resource for:

Canadian and international journalists and correspondents, who may find this site useful in researching or seeking out unique stories.

Investors and finance professionals who may wish to glean additional understanding of the environmental and socio-economic risks underlying the projects and activities of the companies they invest in or fund.

Scientists and other professionals, who may wish to submit information, either anonymously or credited, to facilitate the open dissemination of important knowledge.

Political representatives, who may gain a better appreciation of the issues affecting their constituency, and of their constituents' particular concerns.

Every Albertan, so that they may discuss how the resource industry affects them and their province, and so they may gain the awareness and understanding necessary to act.

Albertans may send information to post [at] albertasdirtysecret [dot] com for posting on the site.

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Disclaimer: The Alberta Environmental Network posts news, events, action alerts, job opportunities, and other information from its member groups and other third-parties. These postings do not imply that AEN endorses the information contained within; nor can AEN guarantee the accuracy of said information. Readers are advised to check with originating organization.